'Red, White & Kaboom' kicks off Independence celebrations

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Thousands of people in Polk County upheld their tradition of fireworks on the 3rd of July instead of the fourth.

"Oh, that's totally fine. That way it frees me up for the next day just to relax," said Selena Mobley as she placed her camping chair at the edge of Lake Mirror.

Both Lakeland and Winter Haven hold their large, municipal fireworks displays on July 3rd. One reason is to give city workers the day off of the Fourth to spend with their families.

Some big thundershowers hit Polk County during the late afternoon, but skies cleared in time for the festivities.

Kyle Lee, a new father, held his 9-month-old daughter Olivia in his arms. He was excited that it would be her first fireworks show.

"Just being an American, I think the Fourth of July is something we need to celebrate every year. And I need to get her into the tradition as soon as possible," he said.

She wasn't disappointed. When the skies lit up at 9pm there were many oo's and ah's as the fireworks exploded.